Steroids

Question 1

corticosteroid side effects

Answer 1

Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include:

• Fluid retention, causing swelling in your lower legs
• High blood pressure
• Problems with mood swings, memory, behavior, and other psychological effects, such as confusion or delirium
• Upset stomach
• Weight gain, with fat deposits in your abdomen, your face and the back of your neck
• When taking oral corticosteroids longer term, you may experience:
• Elevated pressure in the eyes (glaucoma)
• Clouding of the lens in one or both eyes (cataracts)
• A round face (moon face)
• High blood sugar, which can trigger or worsen diabetes
• Increased risk of infections, especially with common bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms
• Thinning bones (osteoporosis) and fractures
• Suppressed adrenal gland hormone production that may result in a variety of signs and symptoms, including severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle weakness
• Thin skin, bruising and slower wound healing

Question 2

3 steroid facts

Answer 2

• never stop long term steroids suddenly (tape if>2 weeks)
• if a pt is on long term steroids and is unwell, double the dose
• minimise steroid exposure wherever possiblem route and duration of treatment

Question 3

steroid formulations

Answer 3